Printing a t-shirt question?

Question

Ok I want to print my own tshirts and thru research I found that this is complicated I have found 3 methods in which one I messed up really bad let me list them

1.Stenciling

2.Transfer paper

3.Silk screen

The stenciling I tried and did not work so well the next are 2 and 3 I hear that transfer paper is not the best way because after some time the pictures and etc. start coming of the tshirt. The silk screen seems like a good way but I don't want to burn or whatever than I saw that you can use glue and all but than someone said you cant wash it CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And where would I be able to buy a silkscreen in Ireland...NOT ONLINE

Answer 1

First, you must understand that certain designs are apprpriate for all of the three methods you list. (by the way, you forgot to list airbrushing and painting directly on the shirt as good methods to get designs onto a shirt)  Stenciling, for example works very well for simple one or two color graphics and, can be combined with airbrushing and painting to produce striking images on fabric.

As far as your concern that the images may fade, you will find that none of these methods are permanent, if not applied properly.  However, silkscreening is the MOST durable techniques.  A silk screen design will outlast the shirt if done properly, and the shirt laundered delicately.

For some reason, you have decided that you don't want to "burn" photostencils.  That's fine, as long as you understand that you won't be able to transfer any designs from computer or photographic images on to your screen.  This leaves you with the "touche and glue" option, where you paint your designs, by hand, directly on to the screen with a liquid medium.  Then, you apply a "mask" layer of a special glue over the top of your design.  When dry, with a special solvent, you scrub away the design portion, leaving the mask.

The screen is now ready for printing.

Because the design is applied by hand, it is a bit more difficult to align multiple color screens. (called "registration)  With photostencils, the registration marks can be applied easily, and accurately.  But, still, it can be done.

You can find these materials at almost any major art and craft store.  I don't know the names of the retailers in Ireland, but, even if you don't want to purchase online, you can still research the distributors of the supplies online and call them about availability.

Be aware that silkscreening is a LOT of work, and, unless you intend to print many copies of the same shirt, it may not be worth the effort of producing the screens and the set up and clean up time involved.

Good luck, and have fun!

Answer 2

Printa has distributors serving Ireland.

Silk screen equipment is expensive.Figure about 4000 euro as a minimum investment. Unless you plan to print thousands, find a printing company to print your shirts.